Method and device for the protection of systems and building at risk

ABSTRACT

A method for the protection or defence of moving objects or persons, characterized in that in the case of endangerment, at least one sleeve-type element is inflated from a collapsed space-saving state by means of a gas which is introduced into said sleeve or by means of a gas generated medium to form a barrier. In this way, efficient and flexible protection of systems, buildings or the like can be protected with non-lethal means. As a result, the inventive method or device suitable for carrying out said method can be used in a multiplicity of ways such as to prevent access or influence groups of persons at large public events.

[0001] The invention concerns a method for protection or defense against moving objects or persons and a device which is suited as protection or defense against moving objects or persons.

[0002] Security personnel generally use non-lethal means such as barriers, irritating gases, rubber projectiles or barrier grids to protect systems and buildings at risk, such as e.g. government buildings or embassies, to block access and to control large groups of people, e.g. at political demonstrations or sports events. These measures often require extensive security staff which makes them expensive and inflexible and also represent a considerable safety risk for the security staff and for the persons to be fended off or influenced. The conventional barriers are moreover often easy to overcome or otherwise are so massive and insurmountable that it requires undue effort to remove them after the danger is eliminated. Adjustment to a particular dangerous situation is also not possible.

[0003] For this reason and due to the increasing worldwide ban on conventional barriers such as land mines, there is a great need in the civil and military field for non-lethal barrier devices which can be flexibly used as protection against both individuals (perpetrators) and large groups of people.

[0004] It is the underlying purpose of the invention to provide a method and a device for protection or defense against moving objects or persons thereby eliminating the above-mentioned disadvantages, which are characterized by non-lethal protection and which can be used on site with flexible, situation-dependent response and with little expense in terms of money and logistics, wherein, during use, the security staff and also concerned persons or objects should be optimally protected from being injured or damaged.

[0005] This object is achieved by a method of the above-mentioned type in that in case of danger, at least one sleeve is inflated from a collapsed space-saving state into a barrier by a gas or gas-generating medium which is introduced into the sleeve. In particular, sudden and unexpected inflation of a sleeve permits blockage of access and entries; persons or moving objects such as vehicles or the like can be distracted or knocked down by the pressure, and individuals or masses of people can be influenced (frightened off) in the sense of “psychological war”. The inflatable sleeve is especially easy to transport in the collapsed state and can therefore be flexibly used on site. It can be easily removed through discharge of the gas when the danger no longer exists.

[0006] To solve this object, a device of the above-mentioned type has at least one sleeve which can be inflated in case of danger from a collapsed space-saving state into a barrier using a gas or a gas-generating medium. In addition to conventional gas generators which are used nowadays e.g. for airbags in vehicles, compressors (compressed air), compressed gases from gas bottles, exhaust gases or the like can also be used to inflate such a sleeve.

[0007] In a further development of the inventive method, inflation of the sleeve is initiated by a proximity sensor device, triggered by the person or the object, with the inventive device comprising such a proximity sensor device for initiating the inflation process. In this fashion, the inventive method and the inventive device can also be used in the event of danger independently of the presence of an operator at the location to be protected or blocked.

[0008] Further developments of the inventive method or of the inventive device provide that the proximity sensor device detects persons or objects in a contact-free fashion. In this manner, the inventive method or the inventive device can be used to erect barriers without direct contact between the barrier and the person or object to be fended off. Direct, precise influence on the person or object is also possible, e.g. for controlled change of direction of motion. Alternatively or additionally, it is also possible to trigger the proximity sensor device through contact. This provides an additional safety function in case the above-mentioned contact-less proximity sensor device fails. On the other hand, the inventive method or the inventive device can be used as a barrier, e.g. by burying it in the ground similar to conventional land mines, however with non-lethal effect.

[0009] To prevent persons to be fended off who have different physical constitutions from being injured (children, adults, . . . ), in an extremely preferred further development of the inventive method, the sleeve is inflated with variable speed. Towards this end, the inventive device preferably comprises control means to control the inflation speed of the sleeve. In this fashion, erection of an effective barrier is possible within a minimum time e.g. to fend off fast moving heavy objects such as e.g. a vehicle, whereas for blocking access for an individual, slow staged inflation of the sleeve is initiated. In a further development of the inventive method, the sleeve is inflated with variable speed. The inventive device preferably comprises control means to control the inflation speed of the sleeve. The use of such control means considerably reduces the risk of injuring lightweight persons or persons located close to the sleeve.

[0010] In accordance with a further development of the inventive method, the inflation speed is adjusted in dependence on at least one property of the person or object. Towards this end, the inventive device preferably has at least one detection means for providing input signals for the control means. In accordance with one extremely preferred further development of the inventive device, the detecting means is designed to detect at least one property and/or position of the person or of the object. In particular, in this connection, optical techniques can be used having suitable camera and illumination units through which the size and a state of motion of the person or object to be fended off can be determined. In this fashion, one particularly preferred embodiment of the inventive device has at least one detecting means for contact-free detection of at least one property and/or position of the person or the object. In accordance with a further development of the inventive method, the inflation speed is adjusted in accordance with at least one contact-free detecting means of this type.

[0011] If the sleeve is inflated by a pyrotechnical gas generator—similar to airbags in vehicle technology today—in a further development of the inventive device, the control means have at least one gas generating charge and an associated ignition unit which can be initiated by the detecting means. To generate an inflation speed which can be adjusted to the respective situation, the charge is moreover formed in several parts and the propellant parts can be ignited at different times. This multi-stage gas generator module achieves the properties of the device desired within the scope of the inventive task in a simple and inexpensive fashion through inventive further development of conventional methods or devices.

[0012] In a preferred further development of the inventive device, the charge parts are disposed in one single housing and have different ignition delays and/or different burning speeds. Each charge preferably has its own ignition unit. In this fashion, a large plurality of pressure-time-curves (inflation speeds) can be generated for the sleeve in association with different ignition strategies and delays.

[0013] To provide a design of the inventive device which is as simple and space-saving as possible, the charge parts are disposed in one single housing with local separation and each ignition unit is accommodated in the housing in correspondence with the spatial arrangement of the charge part. The charge parts preferably consist of the same propellant but have different shapes, densities or particle distribution to obtain different burning speeds.

[0014] In particular, when the inventive device is used against persons, the gas generator material, if present, must not have any adverse effect on the well being of these persons. In a further development of the inventive device, the charge therefore only contains components which are non-toxic for individuals. In view of maximum compatibility with the environment, the charge preferably contains organic compounds with high nitrogen and low carbon content, such as nitro guanidine (NIGU) and guanidine azotretraazolate (GZT). This ensures that the reaction products themselves, which are generated during use of the inventive device, contain no traces of toxic substances.

[0015] In principle, all possible textile, polymer, gas and carbon fibers can be used as airbag material. In one highly preferred further development of the inventive device, the sleeve is formed from a material which is flame-resistant to reduce or preclude possible damage to the sleeve. The sleeve is thereby preferably, additionally or alternatively, formed from a material which is resistant to mechanical damage such as stabbing with sharp objects, e.g. of modern polymer fibers (e.g. Kevlar®, Vectran®, PBI or Zylon® PBO). The individual fibers and the entire sleeve may be coated to improve the properties with regard to mechanical, chemical and thermal stability.

[0016] To extend the effect of pure blockage during use for protection or defense against persons, in a further development of the inventive device, the sleeve has an active coating at least on a region of its outside facing the person or object. An inventive active coating of this type may be effected in that at least regions of the sleeve have adhesive properties. Persons who contact the sleeve are thereby restricted in their freedom of movement such that they will avoid direct contact with the sleeve, if possible, which meets the purpose of protecting both the person to be fended off as well as the sleeve. In a further development of the inventive device, at least regions of the effective coating may comprise thorn-like tips. This makes sense, in particular, when the inventive device is used as relatively permanent protection, e.g. of buildings, analog to conventional securing means such as barbed wire or the like.

[0017] In preferred further developments of the inventive method or of the inventive device, the sleeve is inflated with a hardening substance. This permits use of the inventive device for permanent blocking, e.g. of roads or as effective protection from objects which are particularly heavy and/or move at high speed, such as vehicles, airplanes or the like. The hardening substance may be polyurethane foam or the like.

[0018] To maintain the function of the inventive device even when the sleeve is damaged, in a further development of the inventive device, a sealing means can introduce a self-sealing medium into the sleeve to seal holes in the sleeve. Towards this end, the inventive device preferably has a pressure measuring device to measure the pressure in the sleeve and to activate the sealing means such that holes in the sleeve are sealed as quickly as possible after damage of the sleeve through introduction of a self-sealing medium before the sleeve completely or partially loses its protective function.

[0019] A common feature of the above-described embodiments of the inventive method or inventive device is that the protection provided thereby can be removed within a short time after elimination of the danger, in contrast to comparable conventional safety concepts. However, to erect a barrier which is also effective in case of external influence, it must generally be stationary and securely positioned. Further developments of the inventive method provide for inflation of the sleeve from a stationary structure. To protect moving objects such as land or sea vehicles, the sleeve can also be inflated from a moving support structure. In further developments of the inventive device, the sleeve is connected to a stationary or movable (support) structure. Support structures of this type can be disposed e.g. in front of systems or vehicles to be protected (prophylaxis) and provide their full protection through inflation of the sleeve in case of danger, wherein the sleeve remains in a defined predetermined position due to its connection to the (support) structure.

[0020] To prevent removal of the support structure including the (inflated) sleeve, in a particularly preferred embodiment of the inventive device, the support structure has fastening means for rigid connection to a stationary structure. In accordance with a further development of the inventive device, the fastening means can have connecting means for connection to complementary means on or in the stationary structure. Alternatively or additionally, the fastening means may have anchoring means for automatic anchoring in or on the stationary structure. The stationary structure may e.g. be a lane of a road on which the inventive device is used as a barrier. Complementary means for connecting to the connecting means of the device may be disposed, in particular, in front of systems or buildings to be protected. In particular for soft ground, automatic anchoring of the inventive device is advantageous e.g. through pneumatic introduction of hook or claw-shaped anchoring means into the ground.

[0021] The support structure of the inventive device may be formed by rigid structure elements. To minimize the size of the support structure for storing or transport, a further development of the inventive device has a number of structural elements which can be telescopically moved relative to each other in pairs for folding or unfolding the support structure. Alternatively or additionally, the support structure may be designed as inflatable sleeve structure. It is also possible to design the entire inventive device of support structure and sleeve to be inflatable for optimally minimizing the required space before use.

[0022] In order not to limit use of the inventive device on persons or moving objects to specific, one time inflation of the sleeve, in an extremely preferred further development of the inventive device, the support structure additionally has discharge means for non-lethal active substances. Such active substances may be aerosols or gaseous substances, e.g. fog and/or mist of any type, smoke, smelling substances, pepper spray or irritant gases which at least temporarily impair the ability of these persons to act. The use of optical irritating means such as blinding light sources or long-range electric defense means is possible. To obtain the integral automatic protective function of the inventive device, the discharge means are preferably activated through signals from the detecting means.

[0023] A further development of the inventive device comprises a control unit for selecting the priority, manual or automatic, operation of the device. After selection, the device can be automatically operated in the absence of an operator, e.g. at night or at remote installations. On the other hand, in particular in complex, unpredictable dangerous situations, the inventive device can also be activated and controlled manually using a so-called “man-in-the-loop”.

[0024] The above-described inventive device can be used in a plurality of ways. It is preferably suited for use to protect stationary systems or buildings, e.g. factories, sports arenas, government buildings or the like, in particular against groups of persons, airplanes or vehicles. The inventive device can therefore also be used to block an airport landing strip.

[0025] The inventive device can also be preferably used to influence groups of people at large public events such as sports events or political demonstrations. The security staff can thereby react flexibly to escalation of violence by the group of persons, without having the countermeasures be recognized in advance, which could otherwise cause an escalation.

[0026] In view of the worldwide ban of landmines, the inventive device is also particularly suited for use as a mine replacement, since it can effectively prevent invasion of a certain blocked region, in particular due to its frightening effects, and moreover clearly signals unauthorized penetration to guards through acoustic and/or optical signals (light, noise) triggered by its activation.

[0027] The inventive device is moreover suited for protection of moving objects, in particular of groups of people, airplanes or vehicles. The inventive device may e.g. be used to prevent direct contact of a remote-controlled boat loaded with explosives with a ship being attacked to largely reduce or even prevent damage. Use against underwater attacks is also possible.

[0028] Further properties and advantages of the invention can be extracted from the claims and the drawings which show embodiments of the inventive device.

[0029]FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of an inventive device with a support structure which is directly anchored in the ground, to which inflatable sleeves and further different barrier means are mounted;

[0030]FIG. 2 shows a further embodiment of the inventive device with a plate anchored in the ground and an inflatable support structure;

[0031]FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of an inventive embodiment of the device;

[0032]FIG. 4 shows a gas generator module of the inventive device with two ignition units and two different charge parts for adjustment of the inflation speed;

[0033]FIGS. 5a-d show examples of the reaction mixture and charges of different shapes which obtain different gas discharge rates;

[0034]FIG. 6 shows pressure-time curves for igniting a two-step gas generator module in a 60 l container and an inflatable sleeve;

[0035]FIG. 7 shows the temporal behavior of the maximum speeds of inflation of an inflatable sleeve using a two-step module;

[0036]FIG. 8a shows a schematic representation of the principle of distance measurement using pictures provided from 2 cameras, as an example of a detecting means of the inventive device; and

[0037]FIG. 8b shows the result of distance measurement in accordance with the method shown in FIG. 8a.

[0038]FIG. 1 schematically shows the use of an inventive device in the folded state as a barrier arrangement 1, e.g. as barrier arrangement 1 to prevent access to a building located behind the arrangement (not shown).

[0039] In the embodiment shown, the barrier arrangement 1 has a support structure 2 formed by a series of adjacent support posts 3, 3′, and 3″. The support posts 3, 3′, 3″, have mounting elements 4 in their foot region for direct anchoring in the ground 6 using anchoring means 5. The support posts 3, 3′, 3″ are connected to the mounting elements 4 via quick-connects 7.

[0040] Each support post 3 is a one-piece, rigid structural element. The support post 3′ is composed, e.g. assembled, of three individual elements 3.1′, 3.2′, 3.3″. The support post 3″ is assembled from several partial elements which can be extended and retracted like a telescope.

[0041] In the embodiment of FIG. 1, different types of barrier elements or camouflage elements are disposed between the support posts 3, 3′, 3″.

[0042] The inventive barrier arrangement 1 has an inflatable sleeve 8 between the support posts 3, 3′, which is shown in FIG. 1 in the inflated state. The inflatable sleeve 8 has a construction similar to that used for airbags in motor vehicles. It preferably consists of a multi-layered and/or reinforced polymer material such as Kevlar®, Vectran®, Zylon® or the like and is advantageously fireproof and insensitive to mechanical loads. The sleeve 8 is mounted to neighboring support posts 3, 3′ using a plurality of mounting elements 9.

[0043] On the left-hand side of FIG. 1, the embodiment has a transverse bar 10 between the support posts 3, which is mounted through quick-connects 11. In this embodiment, the transverse bar 10 seals, together with the support posts 3, the opening between the support posts 3 using a curtain 12. The curtain 12 is connected via further mounting elements 9 (only a portion thereof are shown in FIG. 1 for reasons of clarity) to the support posts 3 and the transverse bar 10. The curtain 12 may consist of a mechanically and thermally highly resistant material like the sleeve 8 and, in particular, be opaque, e.g. as camouflage. It is, however, also possible to provide the inventive barrier arrangement 1 with transparent curtains 12 which prevent access to the systems located behind the barrier arrangement 1, while keeping these systems visible. This enables the guards positioned behind the barrier arrangement 1 to observe persons or the like to be fended off located on the other side of the barrier arrangement 1.

[0044] Webs 13 may also be disposed between the support posts (shown in the example of the support posts 3′, 3″ in the right-hand part of FIG. 1) in addition or alternatively to the illustrated inflatable sleeves 8 and curtains 12.

[0045] In the embodiment shown, the support posts 3 have a number of nozzles 14 for discharge of non-lethal, active substances. These active substances may, in particular, be aerosols or gaseous substances, such as e.g. fog and/or mist of any type, smoke, smelling agents, pepper spray or irritant gases. Analogous to the embodiment of FIG. 1, irritating optical means can also be provided instead of the nozzles 14, such as e.g. strong blinding lights, shooting devices for rubber projectiles, electrical defense means or the like. This prevents, in particular, persons to be fended off from getting too close to and/or damaging the inventive barrier arrangement 1. Provision of additional non-lethal active substances also permits the operator to gradually adjust to the level of violence in case of escalation.

[0046] In the embodiment of the inventive device shown, a detecting means 15 is provided in the upper region of the support post 3′ which may be, in particular, a proximity sensor whose output signal activates the active substances such as e.g. nozzles 14. These detecting means 15 are preferably also provided in the other support posts 3, 3″.

[0047] Detecting means of this type also satisfy a series of further functions: after erection of the support structure 2 of the inventive barrier arrangement 1, barrier elements such as the inflatable sleeve 8 are initially in a collapsed space-saving state in which they are suitably connected to the neighboring support posts 3, 3′ of the support structure 2 via the mounting elements 9. In case of approach of persons and/or moving objects to be fended off, detected by the detecting means 15, or in accordance with information by authorized staff, the sleeve 8 can be inflated by a suitable means (see FIG. 4) thereby quickly and efficiently blocking the passage between the support posts 3, 3′. When the dangerous situation is over, a barrier element of this type can be easily folded together and be removed.

[0048] If the support structure 2 has telescopic support posts 3″, the detecting means 15 may also be used to transfer the support posts 3″ from an initially retracted state (not shown) into an extended state (see FIG. 1) when persons and/or objects to be fended off initially approach. Towards this end, the support posts 3″ comprise suitable pneumatic means or the like, which are not explicitly shown in FIG. 1 for reasons of clarity (see FIG. 3).

[0049] The support posts 3, 3′, 3″ or the mounting means 4 may be anchored to suitable, complementary anchoring means 16 disposed in the ground 6 (shown on the left-hand side of FIG. 1) for cooperation with the anchoring means 5 to anchor the mounting elements 4 of the support posts 3, 3′, 3″. For on site, flexible use of the inventive barrier arrangement 1, the anchoring means 5 may also be independently anchored directly in the ground 6. Towards this end, the anchoring means 5 preferably have a hook or claw-like shape and are directly introduced into the ground in a suitable fashion, e.g. pneumatically. Anchoring methods of this type are especially suited for soft ground. If the ground is hard and no anchoring means 16 are present, the latter can be quickly produced e.g. through drilling and dowelling, to also ensure rapid erection of the inventive barrier arrangement 1 in such cases.

[0050]FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of an inventive device which is formed as a barrier arrangement 1 with a support structure 2 whose support posts 3 are also formed as inflatable sleeves (airbags). The support post airbags 3 are mounted to a ground plate 17 via mounting elements 4 and connecting means 5, the ground plate being anchored in the ground 6 through further anchoring means 5′. The ground plate 17 is anchored in the ground 6 as described in the embodiment of FIG. 1.

[0051] In the embodiment of FIG. 2, one single inflatable sleeve 8 (left), a plurality of modular stacked sleeves 8′ (center) and a foil 12, formed similar to the curtain of FIG. 1, are disposed between the support posts 3. In this embodiment, each inflatable sleeve 8, 8′ or support post 3 has its own inflation means 18 which may be a multi-stage gas generator module (see FIG. 4). The sleeves 8, 8′ and of the support post 3 may also be inflated by compressors, gas bottles or exhaust gases e.g. through connection to the exhaust system of a motorized vehicle.

[0052] The inventive barrier arrangement 1 of FIG. 2 can be erected with collapsed support posts 3 and sleeves 8, 8′ together with the ground plate 17 locally and flexibly at any location and, in case of danger, can be completely unfolded into an efficiently active barrier arrangement 1 through activation of the inflation means 18. The barrier arrangement 1 can be likewise flexibly dismounted after subsequent folding together of the sleeves 8, 8′ and the support posts 3.

[0053] The block diagram of FIG. 3 shows the essential technical control components of an inventive barrier arrangement 1. The embodiment of FIG. 3 shows two detecting means 15, 15′ in the form of distance sensors or approach sensors (see FIG. 8a) in front of the barrier arrangement 1 (on the right-hand side of the broken vertical line). They are connected to a supervisory control unit 19 disposed behind the barrier arrangement 1 (left part of FIG. 3) via suitable signal lines S. The control unit 19 controls the discharge units for non-lethal active substances, in this case shown as nozzles 14, and the inflation means 18 of the barrier arrangement 1 via corresponding control units 14′ or 18′.

[0054] The supervisory control unit 19 of the embodiment of FIG. 3 is designed such that the guards P have direct manual control of the inventive device. This embodiment permits, in particular, complete optional manual operation by the guards P or complete automatic control.

[0055] The control unit 19 is preferably designed to measure, together with the control unit 18′, the pressure inside the sleeves 8, 8′ and the support posts 3. In case of sudden pressure drop e.g. due to damage, the inflation means 18 may effect a further sealing function by introducing self-sealing medium (sealing spray) into the damaged sleeve or support post.

[0056] The distance sensors 15, 15′ are preferably disposed at different separations from the barrier arrangement 1 (schematically shown in FIG. 3) and issue (e.g. sensor 15′) timely control signals to the control unit 19, which effects erection of the barrier arrangement 1 through inflation (FIG. 2) or extension (FIG. 1) of the support structure 2. The distance sensor 15 located closer to the inventive barrier arrangement 1 activates the nozzles 14 which can discharge further non-lethal active substances if persons to be fended off approach.

[0057]FIG. 4 shows a gas generator module suitable for use in the inflation units 18 (FIGS. 2 and 3) of the inventive barrier arrangement 1. As is known from airbag applications in motor vehicles, a pyrotechnical mixture used as gas generator burns rapidly to quickly inflate the associated inflatable sleeves 8, 8′. Larger barrier arrangements 1 can be realized using modular construction (FIG. 2). The burning pyrotechnical mixture generates a loud noise and a particle cloud during inflation, whose effects can be heard and seen from large distances to contribute to the desired effect of the inventive device.

[0058] To ensure that the inflatable sleeves constitute a further development of conventional airbag systems which meets the above-mentioned requirements for use as non-lethal barriers, the inflation speed of the sleeve must be matched to the desired protection. Analogous to conventional airbags, the use of gas generators requires variable gas discharge which takes into consideration the situation of unfolding and the position of a person or object to be fended off. The airbag system should unfold gradually or suddenly, depending on the situation. When multi-stage gas generators are used, the sensors 15′ (FIG. 3) and the control unit 19 and corresponding control units 18′ must be designed to be able to analyse the unfolding situation using a sophisticated risk management system and to trigger the appropriate gas discharge of the gas generator through ignition of a predetermined number of steps, within adjustable time intervals.

[0059] The various decisions of the control unit 19 with respect to triggering an inflatable sleeve of the inventive barrier arrangement can be combined in the form of an event matrix in dependence on the distances or the constitution of the persons concerned. In this connection, the desired impact, the angle of impingement, the size and position data of the persons must be taken into consideration.

[0060] A “normal” position means that a person or a vehicle passes the airbag barrier within its unfolding range but not directly at the location of the airbag. The persons may differ in size and weight and may move at different speeds. The sensor system should be able to recognize this situation. The distance between the person and the airbag can be subdivided into four regions in which the control unit should react in dependence on the actual position and situation (table 1). The movement of the person or of the object itself should also be taken into consideration. TABLE 1 Risk regions and risk situations of an inflatable barrier Distance/person Risk Range Direct contact with high risk

no triggering 1 device/child or very or slowest inflation small person In the vicinity of danger

slow 2 the device/or small inflation person Medium, close to fast inflation 3 normal position, heavy person Normal position, inflation at 4 Heavy person maximum speed

[0061] An inflatable sleeve which can be adapted as a barrier can be realized through use of control means for the inflation speed, e.g. in the form of a two-chamber combustion module, which is ignited by two detonator-cap-amplifier arrangements with variable time delay. A control means of this type is part of the inflation means 18 (FIGS. 2, 3) and is shown by way of example in FIG. 4 (without lid).

[0062] The combustion module 20 of FIG. 4 has a combustion chamber 21 with two decentrally disposed ignition points 22, 22′ and can be filled with modular charges 23, 23′ of small 24 and large pellets 24′ (compare FIGS. 5a-d).

[0063] A control means of this type can generate a large variety of pressure-time curves or inflation speeds in connection with different ignition strategies and time delays (compare FIG. 6 or 7).

[0064]FIG. 6 shows unfolding of a 60 l airbag with various pressure-time curves (p-t curves) using different time-delayed ignition of a combustion module in accordance with FIG. 4. The shape and folding of the sleeve also fundamentally define the unfolding in the axial direction and perpendicular to the axis.

[0065] The maximum speed of a conventional airbag is on the order of 100 to 350 km/h. FIG. 7 shows maximum speeds for simultaneous and delayed ignition of the module. By way of example, FIG. 7 shows two behaviors of the unfolding speed v of an inflatable sleeve in dependence on the time t as can be obtained through a combustion module of FIG. 4. The squares in FIG. 7 represent complete and synchronous ignition of both stages. The dots illustrate an ignition process, wherein 30% of the entire charge mass was ignited with a delay of 3 ms. A corresponding shift of the maximum speed v to later times t can be observed.

[0066] In particular when the inventive device is used to fend off persons, the gas generator material must be non-toxic and must also be environmentally harmless. The reaction products must not contain any traces of toxic products. Suitable therefor are azide-free gas generator mixtures: an azide-free gas generator mixture can be produced using organic compounds having high nitrogen and low carbon contents, e.g. nitro guanidine (NIGU), triaminoguanidine nitrate (TAGN), guanidine azotetraazolate (GZT), 5-aminotetrazole etc. As organic compounds having large amounts of nitrogen and little carbon, GZT and NIGU were selected and processed for mixtures of gas generators in an inventive device. Such mixtures also include oxidation agents and catalysts.

[0067] Several GZT and NIGU propellants were produced for testing and calibration purposes. GZT is a more suitable propellant which is available for industrial production in sufficient amounts. GZT is also produced in a form in which it can be directly used for mixing in charge production. The mixtures produced in this fashion are chemically and mechanically stable with respect to heating and shocks and neither the material itself nor the gaseous products thereof contain toxic compounds in amounts exceeding the limiting values. They are easy to ignite and modify with respect to their total or particle size to obtain different burning speeds. The gas discharge is on the order of 500 l/kg and satisfies the other requirements to be met by inflation gases for airbags. FIGS. 5a-d show various embodiments of a gas generator mixture: FIG. 5a shows the fine-grained starting material for the production of charges. The pellets of FIG. 5b are cylindrical like those in FIG. 5c, but the ratio of cylinder height to base area is considerably larger.

[0068] The individual pellet (shown on an enlarged scale in FIG. 5d) also has a hole in the center to enlarge its surface area.

[0069] Unfolding of a conventional airbag for the driver of a motor vehicle occurs within approximately 40 ms. The unfolding time of side airbags is approximately half that. The controlled reaction for barrier arrangements should happen within approximately 10 ms. The sensor signals must therefore be considerably faster.

[0070] The basics of the sensor technology used in the detecting means (compare FIGS. 1 and 3) are preferably identical to those of many other conventional applications. They may include:

[0071] Optical (laser) techniques in the near-infrared (NIR) wavelength range such as light barriers, light curtains, possibly with spatial scanning,

[0072] Ultrasound transmitters and detectors,

[0073] Microwave sensors

[0074] Contact and weight sensors

[0075] Deformation sensors and

[0076] Video techniques in the visible and infrared (NIR, IR) wavelength range, with and without illumination.

[0077] Observation using a CCD or CMOS camera, with additional illumination of persons and corresponding image preparation, is illustrated in FIGS. 8a and 8 b. This type of observation meets the above-mentioned criteria and can be reasonably used, mainly in very important regions such as entries, corridors, tunnels and the like.

[0078] The distance is measured using two CCD cameras 15.1, 15.2 and optionally corresponding illumination means 15.3 (of which only one is shown in FIG. 9a) for a marked region on the object O to be detected relative to a reference point.

[0079] The measurement is based on a triangulation method which analyses the motion of a selected point on the sensitive surface of the CCD cameras 15.1, 15.2. The image is processed in the control unit 19 (FIG. 3) as follows:

[0080] two regions are selected within which the images recorded by the cameras 15.1, 15.2 are compared.

[0081] a normalized value of an average square error (MSE) of these regions is calculated by quadratically summing the intensity differences of corresponding pixels.

[0082] the region is displaced over the entire detector surface of the cameras 15.1, 15.2 to find locations with small MSE values which show similarity of images.

[0083] the number of pixels d by which the region had to be displaced to reach similarity, is related to the distance from the object to be analysed. This relationship is shown in FIG. 8b which illustrates the object distance z versus the pixel displacement d. For a camera separation b (FIG. 8a) the following holds:

z=f·b/d  (1)

[0084] wherein f is the focal length of the camera lenses.

[0085] The distance measurement error increases inversely with the distance from the sensor system. This is acceptable, since precise measurements are mainly required close to the barrier arrangement which, for its part, is located close to the sensor position. This method also permits assessment of the size of a person or an object.

[0086] In general, there is a relationship between the resolution of the optical sensor system, the read-out time, the data processing time and the acquisition price. However, acceptable recovery rates for the camera sensors 15.1, 15.2 can even be achieved using a low-price system. Recovery rates for data transfer to an electronic control unit (FIG. 3) of 20 ms and less can be obtained with improved, existing processors. A further advantage of the described detecting means is the possibility to store images recorded directly before the unfolding process of the barrier arrangement. This permits later identification of the situation producing unfolding.

[0087] The electronic control unit 19 must trigger the unfolding process based on information provided by the detecting means 15′ (FIG. 3). The control unit 19 and/or the control unit 18′ include electrical power drivers for triggering the inflation means 18. The hardware of the electronic control unit thereby performs the following tasks:

[0088] Processing of the sensor signals which are transmitted by the optical detecting means and further stored information;

[0089] Performance of a suitable evaluation algorithm for analysing the sensor signals (compare equation 1) and for deriving a decision; and

[0090] Triggering of the inflation means to unfold the inflatable sleeves.

[0091] The control unit 19 evaluates all data from the external sensors 15, 15′ and the internal state thereby associating

[0092] The reactions available for different events (compare table 1),

[0093] The data of the detecting means: supplying information relating to the distance, size, weight etc. and triggering the corresponding inflation means in dependence on the signals of the detecting means and the requirements shown in the table.

[0094] The evaluation software contained in the control unit 19 must consist of several parts:

[0095] A diagnosing module

[0096] A self-test module

[0097] A condition monitoring module

[0098] An algorithm module

[0099] The monitoring module for the sensor detecting passing persons and optionally

[0100] Further parts and/or modules

[0101] The following table 2 summarizes the possibilities of use of the inventive method or of the inventive device. TABLE 2 possible use of barrier arrangements with inflatable sleeves Capability Partial capability Control/guide separating conflicting parties large numbers of people keep aggressive groups at a distance channel/guide large numbers of people Block access for persons block rooms block accesses Block access for render entries/land sections (land) vehicles impassable stop vehicles keep vehicles at a distance block eliminating or neutralizing block (land) vehicles protection of installations, monitoring of buildings additionally (including safety zone) block access for persons block access for vehicles remove persons from buildings neutralizing/blocking blocking drives/entries buildings entering buildings 

1. through
 53. cancelled.
 54. A method for creating a barrier, the method comprising the steps of: a) erecting a support structure, said support structure comprising a plurality of support columns; b) disposing an inflatable sleeve between a pair of mutually separated support columns erected in step a) or between one such support column and an additional stationary structure; and c) introducing a gas or gas generating medium into said sleeve to form a blocking or visual screening element by transforming said sleeve from a collapsed, space-saving state into an erected, inflated state.
 55. The method of claim 54, wherein said inflated sleeve is structured for defence against or deflection of a moving object and a person.
 56. The method of claim 54, wherein at least one of said plurality of support columns is created through extension of telescopic, mutually displaceable structure elements.
 57. The method of claim 55, wherein inflation of said sleeve is initiated by a proximity sensor device triggered by said person or object.
 58. The method of claim 57, wherein said proximity sensor device detects said person or object without contact.
 59. The method of claim 57, wherein said proximity sensor device is triggered by contact.
 60. The method of claim 54, wherein said sleeve is inflated at a variable speed.
 61. The method of claim 60, wherein said sleeve is inflated at an adjustable speed.
 62. The method of claim 61, wherein an inflation speed is adjusted in dependence on at least one property of said person or object.
 63. The method of claim 62, wherein said adjustable speed is determining in accordance with information from at least one contact-free detecting means.
 64. The method of claim 54, wherein said sleeve is inflated with a hardening substance.
 65. The method of claim 54, wherein a self-sealing medium is introduced into said sleeve to seal holes in said sleeve.
 66. The method of claim 54, wherein said sleeve is inflated by a stationary structure.
 67. The method of claim 54, wherein said sleeve is inflated from said support structure.
 68. The method of claim 54, wherein said support structure is attached to a stationary structure prior to introduction of blocking and/or visual screening elements.
 69. A device for creating a barrier, the device comprising: a support structure having a plurality of support columns; and at least one sleeve, inflated from a collapsed, space-saving state by means of a gas or a gas-generating medium, said at least one sleeve disposed between and cooperating with a pair of mutually separated support columns and/or between a support column and an additional stationary structure to form a blocking or visual screening element.
 70. The device of claim 69, wherein said inflated sleeve is structured for defence against or deflection of a moving object or person.
 71. The device of claim 69, wherein said support structure is a solid support structure.
 72. The device of claim 71, wherein said support structure is formed from individual, rigid structural elements.
 73. The device of claim 72, wherein a plurality of said structure elements can move telescopically in mutual pairwise fashion to extend and retract.
 74. The device of claim 69, wherein said support structure is portable.
 75. The device of claim 70, wherein said support structure comprises mounting means for rigid connection to a stationary structure.
 76. The device of claim 75, wherein said mounting means comprise connecting means for connection to complementary means on said stationary structure.
 77. The device of claim 75, wherein said mounting means comprise anchoring means for automatic anchoring in or on said stationary structure.
 78. The device of claim 70, further comprising a proximity sensor device for initiating an inflation process of said sleeve.
 79. The device of claim 78, wherein said proximity sensor device is designed for contact-free detection of said person or object.
 80. The device of claim 78, wherein said proximity sensor device can be triggered by contact.
 81. The device of claim 77, further comprising control means for controlling an inflation speed of said sleeve.
 82. The device of claim 81, further comprising at least one detecting means for providing input signals to said control means.
 83. The device of claim 82, wherein said detecting means is designed for detecting at least one property and/or position of said person or object.
 84. The device of claim 82, wherein said detecting means is designed for contact-free detection of at least one property and/or position of said person or object.
 85. The device of claim 82, wherein said control means comprise at least one charge generating gas and an associated ignition unit which can be triggered by said detecting means.
 86. The device of claim 85, wherein said charge is formed from several parts.
 87. The device of claim 86, wherein said charge parts can be ignited with time delay.
 88. The device of claim 87, wherein said charge parts are disposed in one single housing and have different ignition delay and/or different burning speeds.
 89. The device of claim 88, wherein each charge part has its own associated ignition unit.
 90. The device of claim 89, wherein said charge parts are disposed, spatially separated, in one single housing and each ignition unit is disposed in said housing in correspondence with a spatial arrangement of said respective charge part.
 91. The device of claim 87, wherein said charge parts consist essentially of a same charge but have different shapes, densities or particle distributions.
 92. The device of claim 85, wherein said charge exclusively contains components which are non-toxic for persons.
 93. The device of claim 85, wherein said charge contains organic compounds with a large amount of nitrogen and little carbon.
 94. The device of claim 93, wherein said charge contains at least one of nitroguandine (NIGU) and guanidine azotetraazolate (GZT).
 95. The device of claim 69, wherein said sleeve is made from a flame-resistant material.
 96. The device of claim 69, wherein said sleeve is formed from a material which is resistant to mechanical damage.
 97. The device of claim 70, wherein said sleeve has an effective coating, at least in a region of its outer surface facing said person or object.
 98. The device of claim 97, wherein at least parts of said effective coating have adhesive properties.
 99. The device of claim 97, wherein at least parts of said effective coating have thorn-like tips.
 100. The device of claim 69, wherein said sleeve can be inflated with a hardening substance.
 101. The device of claim 69, further comprising a sealing means for introducing a self-sealing medium into said sleeve for sealing holes in said sleeve.
 102. The device of claim 101, further comprising a pressure-measuring means for measuring a pressure in said sleeve and for activating said sealing means.
 103. The device of claim 69, wherein said support structure has discharge means for non-lethal, active substances.
 104. The device of claim 69, wherein said discharge means can be activated through signals of detecting means.
 105. The device of claim 69, further comprising a control means for manual or automatic selection of a priority for operation of the device.
 106. Use of the device of claim 69, for protecting stationary systems or buildings.
 107. Use of the device of claim 107, for protection against groups of persons, airplanes, or vehicles.
 108. Use of the device of claim 69, for protection of moving objects.
 109. Use of the device of claim 108, for protection against groups of people, airplanes or vehicles.
 110. Use of the device of claim 69, for the influencing groups of persons at large public events, at sports events, and at political demonstrations.
 111. Use of the device of claim 69, as a mine replacement. 